“I like working with and speaking with my colleagues openly, especially leaders from different levels”
Evolve your workplace with this self-leadership program
Create a more connected, motivated workplace without overreliance on external consultants
What is the Purposeful Cultures: Discovery Circles program?
Dr Josie McLean's Purposeful Cultures program is a self-leadership program designed to engage all staff in contributing their best to organisational purpose. The Discovery Circles program builds individual confidence, creativity, and wellbeing while strengthening workplace culture from the inside out.
This program is for everyone, not just leaders. It equips each participant with the confidence and awareness to lead themselves better and support their own satisfaction, creativity, and wellbeing at work.
Delivery format
Runs over 10 small-group sessions
Inspired by a familiar “book club” format
Groups set their own pace
Leaders or participants facilitate the “Discovery Circles”
Each session links to a chapter and begins with a video prompt from Dr Josie McLean
Who is this for?
This program is ideal for organisations wanting to engage all staff in cultural change. It works well as a standalone offering or as a complement to leadership programs for senior and middle managers, creating alignment and shared language across all levels.
Past participants include staff from local councils, state government agencies, universities, and community organisations.
“Mental models has really stuck with me and I have continued to use this in framing my thinking and helping others reframe theirs”
How does this self-leadership program improve workplace culture?
This program strengthens workplace culture by fostering connection, purpose, and wellbeing. Participants gain self-awareness, agency, and emotional intelligence, creating a culture that is collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-focused: empowering people to contribute meaningfully at work and beyond.
Play to hear more about the program from its creator, Dr Josie McLean
“This program provides a great opportunity for leaders of all levels to come together...
The self-guided nature of the program enables the concept of self-leadership to truly develop ... to further our collective understanding of how we show up each day, how we impact on and influence others ... and how we can grow ...
I have found it to be an impactful team experience and have already had many opportunities to draw on the content from our learning to support our leaders in times of challenge or conflict.”
What’s included in the program?
We’ve designed this program so your team can focus on learning and connection – while we take care of the structure and support.
Getting Started
Online Kick-off with Dr Josie McLean sets the scene, creates shared expectations and generates anticipation.
A welcome call for your coordinator and facilitators with our Experiential Learning Designer to prepare and answer questions.
Resources for Success
Purposeful Cultures: A Practical Self-Leadership Guide – a copy for each participant.
Participant Workbook – practical exercises and reflection space for each participant.
Facilitator Guide – one for each group to support effective sessions.
Discovery Circle Videos – short, engaging scene setters for each session.
Coordinator Guide – complete and ready-to-use email templates for smooth communication.
Gaining Insight
Strengths self-assessment – helps participants understand and leverage their unique capabilities.
Personal Values Assessment – helps participants understand what’s most important to them.
Pre- and Post-program self-assessments – to track growth and provide personal insights.
Ongoing support
Monthly online support – an hour with our Experiential Learning Designer to help facilitators incorporate workplace knowledge and navigate any facilitation challenges.
Program feedback – individual self-assessment results to participants, plus a clear summary report of mid-program and end-of-program feedback.
“Had I not attended the program accompanying this book, I may have ended up a very frustrated and angry person to work with...you have quite literally given me the keys to my kingdom to be able to do meaningful and joyful work.”
“It started wtih me trying to bring the best version of me to work. Somewhere along the way, it just became me really loving what I do and the people I work with”
Let’s talk about what could work for you
If you’d like to explore whether Discovery Circles is a good fit for your team, we’ll ask you to:
Fill out our quick online form
We’ll be in touch to arrange a chat with Dr Josie McLean – no commitment, just a conversation
Together, we can look at how the program might support your goals.
